Lauren Wood's Love Island journey was certainly a whirlwind. She managed to secure herself a stay in the Love Island villa after Harrison Solomon chose to couple up with her in Casa Amor. Alas, it wasn't all plain sailing - their on-again, off-again dynamic saw Lauren brutally dumped after she was forced into a couple with Ty Isherwood, who was then stolen from her by newcomer Angel Swift. Her dumping saw the most dramatic exit of the season so far, with Harrison promising to leave for her after another 24 hours in the villa.
So, where are Lauren and Harrison now? Apparently, after Harrison did in fact leave for Lauren, they're happier than ever - and now, there's even reports that the couple are moving in together.
Here's everything you need to know about Lauren Wood...
Who is Lauren Wood?
26-year-old Dog Walker Lauren hails from York and is keen to bring plenty of energy to the Love Island villa.
In her interview with the ITV producers Lauren said, ‘I’m just a bubbly person. I’m fun to be around and don’t take myself too seriously. Every boy I’ve ever met has said "you’re not what I thought" in a good way. I’ve been told I’ve got good energy.’
Who was Lauren Wood coupled up with?
After Harrison Solomon coupled up with her, Lauren bagged herself a trip to the main villa. Luckily Harrison’s previous partner Antonia 'Toni' Laites decided to recouple too with Cacherel Mercer. It’s fair to say that Harrison wasn't thrilled by Toni’s decision, but we can say we were thrilled by the war of words that ensued between the two of them. Despite Lauren and Harrison seemingly getting on well, Harrison went back to Toni after a week and convinced her to recouple with him, before dumping Toni again in favour of Lauren two days later. When Lauren was dumped, Harrison stayed in the villa for one more day before deciding he was better off following Lauren out the door.
Was Lauren Wood a producer plant?
Lauren’s entry into the Love Island villa is following in the footsteps of her close pal Chris Hughes as in ‘Should I rap a little to lighten the mood?’ Chris Hughes. And not only that, but Lauren has actually been in the villa before!
Apparently Lauren was one of this year’s guinea pig Islanders who test out the villa and the format off camera ahead of the actual series, and producers loved her so much that they decided to have her return as an official contestant. That, of course, has led to 'producer plant' rumours - where viewers decide that one person on the cast is there purely to stir up drama on producers behalf. Alas, there's no confirmation she was in the official line-up for that reason, more than she may have known some of the producers beforehand and so understood how the TV show worked logistically, more than the other contestants who had never seen the villa before arriving.
A source revealed, ‘Lauren was one of the dry run Islanders, but bosses loved her so guaranteed her a slot in Casa Amor.
‘Fans will feel like she’s going in there as a producer plant as she’s been specially chosen and has the added advantage of having been among crew, in the villa, and knows how everything works. Certainly it’ll help her feel a bit more comfortable and confident. There’s been other Islanders in the past who went from a dry runner to full cast. 2023’s winner Sanam Harrinanan was part of the dry run cast and then went all the way,' a source told The Sun.
Does Lauren Wood have Instagram?
Of course she does! You can follow her @_laurenkwood. Plenty of stunning mirror selfies to take outfit inspo from.
Daisy Hall is a News and Entertainment writer on Grazia, specialising in TV and film meaning that you can count on Daisy for the latest (and best) recommendations